President Ronald Reagan Park in Gdansk, Poland

The President Ronald Reagan Park in Gdansk commemorates the role of the former U.S. president in the fall of communism in Poland. Together with Pope John Paul II, they are seen by Poles as two important persons for making this happen.

The statues in the park are modelled on a famous photograph taken by Scott Stewart of the Associated Press when the Pope and President Reagan met in Miami in 1987. The engraving in Polish reads ‘Grateful for the independence of Poles’.

In the 55,5 ha large park you can find different playgrounds, a skatepark and an open air gym. It has a walking path and cycling path which leads to the beach in Gdansk. The President Ronald Reagan Park is a popular destination for a picnic and a meeting place of the locals.

Location: Piastowska, 80-366 Gdańsk, Poland.

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Indoor Playground Allgäulino in Germany

Allgäulino is a large indoor playground, situated in the region of Bavaria in Germany. The playground is a great place for children from 3 to 12 and is an ideal stopover at rainy days.

Allgäulino has a size of 3000 square metres, you can find here a big climbing park, lots of bouncy castles, trampolines and electric cars. You can also get a meal here and it has a large seating area for parents.

Location: Alpenstraße 20, 87497 Wertach, Germany.

Website: allgaeulino.de

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Malbork Castle: the Largest Castle in the World

Malbork Castle is one of the most impressive castles I visited so far and one of Poland's most important historical sites. It is located in the north of the country, 62 km from Gdansk. With an area of 21 hectares, Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world measured by land area.

The castle was built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights on the banks of the River Nogat in Malbork. Their intention was to make the Knights’ control stronger in the area. When it was constructed it was called Marienburg, named after the patron saint of the religious Order, Mary.

Malbork Castle was substantially enlarged after it became more important during the following centuries. From the 19th century the castle fell into decay and was restored to its former glory. In the Second World War, Malbork Castle was again severely damaged and had to be restored once again.

Because of the size of the castle and the number of rooms, a visit to Malbork Castle can take up to 4 hours or longer.

Location: Starościńska 1, 82-200 Malbork, Poland

Website: www.zamek.malbork.pl/en

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Bokrijk Open Air Museum

Bokrijk's Open Air Museum in Belgium lets you experience how life was on the Flemish countryside in the past. The museum has over hundred buildings that have been restored to their original condition. Divided over 90ha, you can find here buildings from rural and urban life. Each year a number of events are held here with actors that bring the museum to life.

Since 2014, Bokrijk's Open Air Museum has also a section devoted to life in the 60s. Here you can find buildings with typical interiors of that era and different collection pieces that will bring you back to the sixties.

A stopover at Bokrijk can also be combined with a visit to the playground, the arboretum or the Cycling Through Water trail

Location: Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium.

Website: www.bokrijk.be/en

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